A man has today been jailed for five years, almost 10 years after he committed a brutal rape in a Teesside park.

Thomas Noble evaded the law for years after carrying out the sickening attack in Newham Grange Park, Stockton, in June 1997, but today he appeared at Teesside Crown Court to face justice for the crime.

Judge Les Spittle, sentencing Noble to five years in jail, said: “This was a brutal, degrading and painful experience for this lady. She did not deserve it in any way whatsoever and she was not in my view a party to what took place and it must have been manifestly obvious to you that she was not consenting to this particular act.” Noble, 46, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to raping the woman, then aged 32, in the early hours of June 14, 1997.

A huge manhunt was launched after the rape. The victim was walking alone through Newham Grange Park, known locally as Monkey Tree Park. She was on her way home after visiting relatives when her attacker pounced.

The Gazette reported at the time how she was grabbed from behind, dragged on to a grassed area and raped.

The rape was described by detectives as “an horrific, prolonged attack”. But despite a huge inquiry, the attacker was not identified and remained at large.

Advances in forensic science meant Noble was eventually tracked down by police.

Dad died after work fall

A father of three who tripped over scaffolding at work died as a result of his injuries.

Richard Hicks, 47, known as Dick, fractured his leg at the BASF plant in Seal Sands. The Marton man was taken to hospital and released, but died 10 days later from a blood clot in his lungs.

A two-day jury inquest found today his death was caused by his injuries and recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Man attacked after night out

A man had his jaw broken in a brutal attack as he walked home alone after a night out with friends.

The 29-year-old was set upon in York Road, Hartlepool, at about 1.45am on Thursday when he was kicked and punched to the ground and then repeatedly stamped on around his face.

When he eventually reached home his neighbours called an ambulance and he was admitted to James Cook University Hospital for treatment.

Call Detective Constable Peter Carr on 01642 302135 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information..